Olivia Drake

Current Employer/Organisation Name

Urban Jungle Insurance

What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?

I have been working at Urban Jungle since graduating in 2023, starting as a Software Engineer and being promoted to Senior Software Engineer in January strategy consulting.

Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?

I wanted the opportunity to build useful, impactful technology as well as the ability to keep learning and evolving in my career alongside the changing technological landscape. The thing I enjoy most about my work is being able to collaborate with super smart people on challenging problems.

What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?

For me, the biggest highlight was the group project. Managing responsibilities in the team and collaborating on something new was exciting.

What did you most enjoy about studying here?

I enjoyed being around lots of entrepreneurial people. The projects at the Innovation Centre allowed me to get some real work experience alongside my studies which proved invaluable.

Why did you choose to study at Exeter?

For me the beautiful campus in Exeter is what made me choose to study there. All the green spaces and stunning views.

What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?

The most useful skills I have applied to my career have been the technical foundations built through the modules as well as the resourcefulness being a student during COVID taught me!

What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?

Gain some work / voluntary experience during your studies, no matter how small.

What are your plans for the future?

Continue progressing in my role now, hopefully assuming even more of a leadership role.